OSCE looks for new format for negotiations on Transnistria

Ian Borg met officials both of Moldova's pro-European government and the self-styled president of Transdniestria.

Both sides agreed that the OSCE could play a significant mediating role in the conflict resolution.

The head of the OSCE said he reaffirmed his strong commitment to work on a peaceful, comprehensive, and lasting settlement, respecting Moldova's post-Soviet borders and ensuring a special status for Transnistria.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who wants her country to join the European Union, denounces Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Oleg Serebrian, the deputy prime minister responsible for relations with the enclave, told a conference in Chisinau that the invasion was a turning point in attempts to resolve the conflict.

"At the same time, all the approaches to a settlement in Transdniestria have become outdated. The emphasis has changed. What's important now is not format but content. The role of the OSCE is now more important than it was before," Serebrian said.

The negotiating forum "5+2," which has existed since 2005, including both sides, as well as Russia, Ukraine, the European Union, the US, and the OSCE, no longer works, as Ukraine's contacts with Moscow are impossible due to its aggressive war, which the Kremlin is not going to stop.

Russia's plans for Transnistria, which failed

In February, there was information in the media that the deputies of Transnistria would supposedly ask Putin for annexation to Russia during the congress on February 28.

As a result, the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR) only asked Russia for protection from Moldova.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine noted that the Kremlin was interested in the appeal for annexation to Russia, but suffered a defeat.

Now Moscow is focusing on Gagauzia.